Bleeding Green by Anne James Page A

me. She told me to be quick and I intend to be quick.” He gave his signature wink again.
    The effect wasn’t the same on Laurel. She didn’t melt into a pile of warm butter.
    After affirming to the two L.E. officers that her attacker was Ranger Ernie Buckle, there wasn’t much more to be said other than a brief discussion of Laurel’s wounds. A last hug from Carolyn and the two left.
    Boyd entered the little room accompanied by John.
    Laurel got the jump on her supervisor. “How’s your arm? I hear the water heater took a little beating?” She tried to repress a painful grin, but her eyes sparkled with laughter.
    “Afraid so.” With a sheepish look, Boyd rolled up his long sleeve shirt exposing a bandaged forearm and wrist. “Too bad it wasn’t Buckle. Wouldn’t have hurt so bad.”
    Always polished and gracious as befitted a bureau chief, John said, “Laurel, we want you to know that the department expresses heartfelt condolences. If there is anything we can do to help you in your recovery period, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
    To have the bureau chief and the park manager at her bedside in the hospital was extraordinary enough to keep the sparkle in her eyes. “A raise perhaps?”
    As expected, this request produced wry laughter from both men. Money was something the state didn’t have, especially when managing natural resources and environmental concerns. The new governor of the state was for development—not environmental protection.
     

Chapter 14
     
     
    R ain fell in a steady drizzle. A low pressure system added to the heavy, weary feeling Brodie was fighting. She wanted to be strong for Laurel.
    The window on the second floor of the hospital displayed a gray world that was smothered in mist. Evening was swallowing day.
    “You need some rest.”
    Brodie turned her head to see Laurel’s eyes reflecting the cobalt blue of the sea. Her gaze was clear and alert. She sat on the edge of the bed, placing her hand on Laurel’s arm.
    “How are you feeling, my dear?”
    A smile turned up one tiny corner of Laurel’s mouth. “You need some rest.”
    “Do I really look that bad? Here I thought I’d dressed in your favorite outfit and I even put lipstick on!”
    “Yes,” Laurel widened her eyes in a flirting gesture. “I noticed several minutes ago. You have been looking out that window, hugging yourself, as if you were concentrating on reading the symptoms of the weather to predict the future!”
    For the first time in several days, a real chuckle resonated from Brodie, as she threw her head back.
    Laurel studied the long creamy neck. Beautiful. Brodie Black at age fifty was simply exquisite. “So, my Queen, will I be punished? I didn’t make it to your chambers the other night.”
    Catching the appreciative look in Laurel’s eyes, Brodie gave her arm another firm pat and stood up. “Don’t you fear, my dear. The time will come. We will continue when you so rudely departed and left me in agony.” She gave a slow sensual wink. I’m going to pull that fabulous hospital chair over here. From the look in your eye, you are feeling a little perkier. Yes, I agree. I do need some rest. But the time for that will come. Right now, I want to be by your side.”
    “Oh, Brodie! What would I do without you?” Laurel exhaled a deep breath through her nose. On the inhale, she said, “What is that marvelous smell? I thought I was in a hospital!”
    Indicating the window ledge, Brodie said, “You have fans, my dear! The largest bouquet full of Chinese lilies and yellow roses is from the park. It’s as fragrant as a bottle of Chanel!”
    Brodie stood and walked to the bursting window ledge. Several bouquets were turning the room into a sweet-scented flower garden. Or a funeral parlor. Depends on your state of mind, thought Brodie.
    She picked up a single-stem, red rose in a clear vase. Holding it out to Laurel, she said, “This is the flower you might want to keep all your life. Shall I read the